Kinnis, great observation! I remember a pulmonologist (lung doctor) who used to be a heavy smoker. You are talking big time contradiction!
The answer to your question is a big YES! Many doctors are not equipped to provide wellness coaching advice to their patients if they do not practice it. At a recent conference I attended along with many physicians, this issue came up. The word is SELF-CARE. The discussion was around the high stress medical student experience from the moment they enter school, medical training and later as practitioners. Toxic habits become part of their lives: not sleeping well, not eating the right foods, etc.
I think this is going to change in the near future. Healthcare Reform will focus in prevention and wellness and the doctors will have to be role models. Otherwise, patients like yourself, will get disenchanted and the doctor lose credibility.
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Kinnis, great observation! I remember a pulmonologist (lung doctor) who used to be a heavy smoker. You are talking big time contradiction!
The answer to your question is a big YES! Many doctors are not equipped to provide wellness coaching advice to their patients if they do not practice it. At a recent conference I attended along with many physicians, this issue came up. The word is SELF-CARE. The discussion was around the high stress medical student experience from the moment they enter school, medical training and later as practitioners. Toxic habits become part of their lives: not sleeping well, not eating the right foods, etc.
I think this is going to change in the near future. Healthcare Reform will focus in prevention and wellness and the doctors will have to be role models. Otherwise, patients like yourself, will get disenchanted and the doctor lose credibility.
March 2, 2009 - 10:13pmThis Comment
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